Ilana Donna Arazie: 5 Ways to Think Happy

We all know that life spent navigating the hectic pace of New York City can be overwhelming, even frustrating. I ran into a friend the other day, and when I asked how she was doing, I got a shrug and an "eh..." like she was some crotchety old grandpa about to tell me about her sciatica. Apparently the city had been wearing on her. But why let it be a buzzkill? Life is way too short to be kvetchy.

If you ask me, Groucho Marx had it right: "Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead; tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."

Of course, we're only human; I, too, get into ruts, succumb to fits of rage and have my fair share of meltdowns. I am Jewish, after all, and I fight my neurotic, negative tendencies every day. I think Moses must have included these lovely traits with the Ten Commandments when he passed them down to my people.

Here are some techniques that keep me focused on happy, calming thoughts. And yes, unicorns, rainbows and cute little black dresses are included.

Focus on What You've Got
You can't afford your favorite sushi restaurant, the pressure of the holidays is getting to you and the last time you cuddled with someone you liked, Obama was still popular. Well, we all have our share of inconveniences. But what in your life is going right? When you put your energy toward dwelling on what's wrong, you get stuck there. Instead, focus on the good things you have going on. Soon you'll not only feel better, but you'll also draw more good things your way. Having trouble finding a few things to be grateful for? Hot showers and sugared cereal count!

Lose (the Illusion of) Control
Dharma Punx leader Josh Korda once explained to me why we get so down and out in the big city. He said we base our identity on things that are constantly changing: work, friends, our bodies... Everything in life is constantly in motion and out of our control. Korda's advice? Let it all roll around you, but base your true identity on your deeper self. Really, the only thing you can control is the way you react to the changes around you. So sit back, flow with the chaos around you and don't let it make you nuts.

Forget Your Goals
We put so much pressure on ourselves to be the best, the smartest and the fastest. When we fall short, boy do we get cranky. Not even Superman himself could be the perfect hero. Yoga principles teach us to be goalless, which might make any city-dweller go mad. But what if your goal every day were to feel joy or simply to be content? You might be surprised to find your greatest achievements grow from that peace.

Endorphin It Up
Sure, you can drink all night, but exercise and yoga give you the same or better effects naturally. Serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is released in your brain when working out. Yoga shifts life's energy around in your body so that you're in balance, which leaves you feeling happy and slightly stoned. Nothing wrong with that! Throw in a little meditation and green juice and you've got yourself a lovely, happy-go-lucky cocktail.

Be in the Now
You've heard it a million times on "Oprah" and from Eckhart Tolle, who writes, "Nothing ever happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now." We are only stressed when we are thinking about our future and past. If you concentrate on the present, you're golden! This moment creates the next, then that next moment creates the following one, and like a domino effect, you're on the right path.

Life's too short (or too long, for that matter) to feel miserable. Only you have the power to redirect yourself into the feel-good Now.

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Amy Chan: Relationships: Time, Trust and Tango

Love and romantic relationships can be a very hard thing to understand at times. They're complex, irrational and emotional, and without a proper foundation, they're fragile. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to explain a feeling or emotion, your partner just can't seem to process a word you're trying to express. Confused, you are pegged as being overly sensitive or emotional. For the times when you're trying to find the words to explain the unexplainable, here are some metaphors and examples that can help put perspective on things:

Delivery: A wise man once told me that when you are asking your partner to do something, the delivery is the most important thing. Just like if you were a boss wanting your staff to come to work an hour earlier each morning, you can do it by force, fear or threats, or you can approach it in a more effective way. Offer them muffins in the morning and tell them what a fun and rewarding change it will be, and you're likely to get a more enthusiastic turnout for your earlier work start. Not only is how you communicate your needs important, but the timing is critical, too. You shouldn't bring up serious relationship talks the minute you feel the emotional urge to do so, but rather when there is an appropriate time and place, and ideally when you aren't in a heightened emotional state.

Time: Relationships can be compared to the growth of a garden: they need to be watered, groomed and tended to. If not, the flowers will wilt, and unwanted weeds will grow. Two people need to invest time, energy and effort into a relationship in order to keep it alive and healthy. Just like gardens, they do not run on auto-pilot, and no matter how busy or stressed you are in your life, if you don't tend to it, the relationship will suffer in one way or another. On the same token, relationships often take time to bud and grow. Plant seeds today and expect a beautiful rose garden by tomorrow, and surely you'll be disappointed. Sometimes, if you take a leap of faith, plant the seeds and allow them to grow and breathe, you may be pleasantly surprised by what a beautiful force of nature can grow out of it.

Trust: Trust is the glue of a relationship. Without it, many other issues will arise, but the root will often trickle back down to trust and security. It takes only seconds to break trust and what seems like a lifetime to build it back. It's not impossible, and if two people are committed to making it work, both have to work damn hard to get that foundation solid again. It means taking a leap of faith and not living in fear and anxiety for the shoe to drop. And for the person who betrayed the other, it means making that extra effort to be sensitive and considerate of how actions (or lack of them, for that matter) affect the partner. It means that reassurance and affirmation are needed, even if they seem tiring at times. Because when trust is in a fragile state, it's a lot easier for the pieces to fall apart than when it's stable. But it takes both people to do the work: if one person allows suspicion and paranoia to take control, and the other doesn't take that extra step to act and communicate in a way that reassures, the trust doesn't come back. Period.

Compassion: When one person gives and the other person gives, there is a beautiful balance in the relationship. This is not reality though, because there will always be someone who gives more and times when it's unequal. This is normal; however, if left unequal too long, the relationship can fall into a negative spiral. Suddenly, one person feels like they give too much and wants to hold back. Then the partner feels like not giving at all in response to the other's lack of giving and warmth. Sooner or later, both people in the relationship are in a vicious, negative cycle, and blame and disappointment seem to be inescapable. If one person doesn't eventually give up the ego, the fight, the resentment and angry charge, the relationship will combust. But if both take a step back to try and understand the other, take off the fighting gloves, show compassion (be it a nice gesture or even a really warm, reassuring hug), it can make a world of difference. Suddenly, one partner feeds off the positive energy and compassion, and it becomes contagious. But it takes two to tango, and even if there's a strong lead, both people need to take the steps.

A positive, healthy, loving relationship requires hard work and a lot of adjustment and negotiation. There are some battles just not worth fighting for, some differences that you have to accept will never change, and times when you have to agree to disagree. It's important to remember that we are all unique in how we receive love, give love and communicate love. Just because your partner doesn't show you love in the way you're used to doesn't mean they love you any less. Learning your partner's style and figuring out how to meet in the middle takes time, compassion and understanding. And if two people have the commitment and desire to make it work, and see the potential and value in the other person, then in time, it can become a very strong, healthy and peaceful union.

Amy Chan is a blogger and a columnist for the 24 Hours newspaper. To read more of her articles, visit www.amyfabulous.com.

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Panasonic DMC-GH1K 12.1MP (58% off) Best Cyber Monday Deal 2010

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Panasonic DMC

The new Panasonic DMC-GH1 is called a Creative HD Hybrid because it records not only high-quality photos but also high definition 1080/24p or smooth 720/60p HD (High Definition) movies in AVCHD format. Continuous AF can be used while recording movies, to further boost operating ease.

Taking advantage of its system camera design, the DMC-GH1 features the potential for unlimited photo expression by allowing the use of different lenses for specific shooting situations and subjects. High-quality sound recording with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator and a host of other creative options, including manual settings, giving the DMC-GH1 even greater versatility.

Supporting the DMC-GH1′s powerful full-HD movie recording function is a newly developed 12.1-megapixel high-speed Live MOS sensor and the Venus Engine HD image processor, which features two CPUs for outstanding processing capability. The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., which is a versatile 10x zoom interchangeable lens, was designed for movie recording by including a silent and continuous auto focusing function and seamless aperture adjustment.

• 12.1-megapixel 4/3-type MOS sensor; interchangeable lens system digital camera
• Capture 1080/24p or smooth 720/60p HD (High Definition) movies in AVCHD format
• Live View Finder and bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD
• New Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function; Face Detection and Intelligent Auto (iA) mode
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

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Best Cyber Monday Deal 2010 for Horizon Fitness AT1501 Ascent Trainer (38% off)

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Fitness AT1501 Ascent Trainer

Whether you’re looking for easy access and quiet, reliable movement or specific stride lengths and programs, the innovative Horizon Fitness AT1501 Ascent trainer helps you meet your fitness goals. The Ascent is equipped with heavy-duty 18-pound flywheel and a magnetic brake system, providing continuously fluid movement that’s smooth, quiet, and consistent. As a result, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, low-impact workout that won’t tax the joints–a must for people with bad knees or who are recovering from injuries. The Ascent also includes a responsive incline adjustment system with 18 motorized resistance levels, creating a dynamic, challenging workout each day. You can choose a zero-degree incline to simulate a walking or jogging motion, or you can crank it up to create a stadium climbing feel. And by increasing the stride length, you can better engage your glutes, hamstrings, and core stabilizer muscle groups.

The Ascent is also loaded with several convenience features, including an integrated iPod dock that lets you navigate your iPod or other MP3 player directly from the console, along with high-quality speakers to play the music out loud. The trainer also offers contact heart rate grips on the handlebars, a low pedal height for easy entry and exit, and a 300-pound capacity.

• Elliptical trainer with heavy-duty 18-pound flywheel and magnetic braking system
• Responsive incline adjustment system with 18 motorized resistance levels
• Adjustable 18- to 20-inch stride length for engaging glutes, hamstrings, or core
• Integrated iPod docking station with speakers; contact heart rate grips
• 300-pound capacity; measures 37 x 55 x 71 inches (W x H x D); lifetime frame warranty

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iHome iP38 Portable Stereo Alarm Clock (58% off) Best Cyber Monday Deals 2010

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Monday, November 29th, 2010

iHome iP38 Portable Stereo

At home or on the go, iHome’s iP38 is a great way to listen to your iPod/iPhone music loud and in style. Housed in an attractive, fabric-wrapped protective shell, you can enjoy listening to your iPod/iPhone while it charges, or use the built-in alarm clock to wake and sleep to your tunes.

Play and Charge Your iPod or iPhone
The iP38′s universal dock plays and charges most docking iPod models (in addition to using them for the alarm). So when you’re ready to hit the road, so is your iPod.

Wake and Sleep to Your iPod
Wake or drift off to your favorite music. If you’d prefer, the iP38 also has a buzzer alarm.

A handy Time Sync feature sets clock time using your iPhone/iPod time.

Travel-Ready
The iP38 operates on the included AC adapter, or 5 AA batteries (not included) for portable use. It’s housed in a clamshell protective travel case, ready to fold out for use wherever you need it.

Auxiliary Input
The iP38′s Aux/MP3 line-in jack lets you listen to other audio sources like MP3 or CD players.

What’s in the Box
iHome iP38, AC adapter, and user’s manual.

• Compatibility: iPod mini; iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G; iPod classic 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G; iPod touch 1G, 2G; and iPhone 1G, 3G, 3GS
• Play and charge your iPod
• Alarm clock lets you wake and sleep to your iPod
• Housed in protective travel case
• Auxiliary input for use with external devices

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The Eurozone Endgame: Four Scenarios

baselinescenario.com:

In the aftermath of the Irish bailout, the German proposal for a future sovereign and/or senior bank debt restructuring mechanism within the eurozone makes complete political sense to the electorate in stronger European countries. They do not want to write "blank checks" to weaker countries and to out-of-control financial institutions going forward; creditors to countries that run into trouble will face likely losses.

While the details of this "burden sharing" approach remain to be hammered out (after Sunday's announcements), there is no way for German or other politicians to backtrack on the broad strategic principles. But once this arrangement is in place, say in 2013 or thereabouts, all eurozone countries will (a) be able to sustain less debt than has recently been regarded as the norm, and (b) become vulnerable to the kinds of speculative attacks in debt markets that we have seen in recent weeks - to reduce funding rollover dangers, they will all need to lengthen the maturity of their outstanding debt.

Read the whole story: baselinescenario.com

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Iran Bomb Blast Kills Nuclear Scientist Majid Shahriari In Tehran

TEHRAN, Iran — Assailants on motorcycles attached bombs to the cars of two nuclear scientists as they were driving to work in Tehran Monday, killing one and seriously wounding the other, state television reported.

The report did not say whether the two university teachers were directly involved in the country's highly controversial nuclear program.

State TV swiftly blamed Israel for the attacks. At least two other Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in recent years in what Iran has alleged is part of a covert attempt by the West to damage its nuclear program. One of those two was killed in an attack similar to those on Monday.

The nuclear program is at the center of a bitter row between Iran on one side and the U.S. and its allies on the other. A number of world powers suspect Iran is trying to make nuclear weapons, an allegation the government denies. Tehran's refusal to limit some of its nuclear activities has brought on multiple rounds of U.N. sanctions against the country.

The assailants, who escaped, drove by their targets on motorcycles and attached the bombs as the cars were moving. They exploded shortly thereafter, the state TV report said.

The man killed Monday was identified as Majid Shahriari, a member of the nuclear engineering faculty at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran. His wife, who was in the car with him, was wounded.

A second, separate attack in the capital Tehran seriously wounded nuclear physicist Fereidoun Abbasi. His wife was also in the car with him, and she was also wounded.

A pro-government website, mashreghnews.ir, said Abbasi held a Ph.D. in nuclear physics and was a laser expert at Iran's Defense Ministry and one of few top Iranian specialists in nuclear isotope separation.

The site said Abbasi has long been a member of the Revolutionary Guard, the country's most powerful military force. It said he was also a lecturer at Imam Hossein University, affiliated to the Guard.

Some Iranian media reported that Abbasi died after he was transferred to hospital. But Iran's official IRNA news agency said he was in stable condition in the hospital.

The attacks bore close similarities to another in January that killed Tehran University professor Masoud Ali Mohammadi, a senior physics professor. He was killed when a bomb-rigged motorcycle exploded near his car as he was about to leave for work.

In 2007, state TV reported that nuclear scientist, Ardeshir Hosseinpour, died from gas poisoning. A one-week delay in the reporting of his death prompted speculation about the cause, including that Israel's Mossad spy agency was to blame.

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Garmin nuvi 205W 4.3-Inch GPS Navigator (68% off) Best Cyber Monday Deals 2010

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Monday, November 29th, 2010

Garmin nuvi 205W

Garmin’s nüvi 2×5 models improveupon their 200-series predecessors by adding top-of-the-line features such as FM traffic updates or MSN Direct content capability to an entry-level line. But Garmin is also introducing some significant improvements with this new series, like a predictive technology that provides faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen with more information, terrain maps, and an exciting new photo navigation feature. The 205W also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you.

The nüvi 2×5 models sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot.All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.

Important Product Information: This device features a “screen lock” feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2×5 and 7×5 Garmin units. If you slide the “Power” key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the “Power” key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for “Pedestrian” mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.

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Fujifilm FinePix S2550 12.2 MP Digital Camera Cyber Monday Deals 2010

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Monday, November 29th, 2010

Fujifilm FinePix S1800 – 12MP, Fujinon 18x Wide Optical Zoom (28 – 504mm), 3.0″ LCD + Viewfinder. Other features include: Face Detection w/ Red Eye Removal, Face Recognition, Tracking Auto Focus, Dual Image Stabilization, High Sensitivity 6400 ISO, 6 Scene – SR Auto Automatic Scene Recognition, Panorama Mode, HD Movie 720p w/ Sound w/ HDMI Connector, Instant Zoom/Zoom Bracketing, Smile/Blink Detection Mode, 4-AA Batteries.

• 12.2-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD for photo-quality poster-sized prints
• Fujinon 18x wide-angle optical zoom lens (28mm wide-angle to 504mm telephoto); Dual Image Stabilization
• Capture movies in HD quality 720p resolution
• 3.0-inch high-contrast LCD and Electronic View Finder
• Face Detection and Automatic Red-eye Removal; Smile and Blink Detection

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Chicago Bears Stadium Death: Man Falls 20 Feet At Soldier Field

CHICAGO — Authorities say a man has died after falling at least 20 feet from a ledge at Soldier Stadium while attending a Chicago Bears game.

Chicago police say the man fell around 4:55 p.m. Sunday during the NFL matchup between the Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Chicago Fire Chief Joe Roccasalva says the man landed on a small rooftop on the outside of the stadium. Witnesses told authorities the man ran to a ledge and jumped. Roccasalva says the man was in his 20s, but his name hasn't been released.

It's the second death in a week at a major sporting arena. On Nov. 21, a 2-year-old boy fell from a luxury box at the Staples Center during a Los Angeles Lakers game.

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Meedan: Brotherhood slogan under fire as Egypt takes to the polls

As Egyptians head to the ballot boxes today to vote in parliamentary elections, and amid reports of a crackdown against leading opposition group the Muslim Brotherhood, Kate Goodin looks at the campaign trail debate in the Arab press, and particularly in Egypt, on the meaning of the controversial Brotherhood slogan "Islam is the Solution."

Controversy over the slogan opened up a broader discussion on the role of religion in society, the Muslim Brotherhood's history, and the right way to solve Egypt's problems.

Mahmoud Ghazlan, a Muslim Brotherhood leader, defends the slogan on the organization's website, explaining that "Islam is the solution" means that Islam is the basis for remedying human rights abuses in Egypt, and enumerates Islamic foundations for the principles of public freedoms and human rights, such as freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

Sami Al-Beheiry, however, takes the slogan as an insult to Egyptians' faith:

I would have understood the widespread of such slogan in a non-Muslim country, in order to invite its people to Islam. However, raising this slogan in a Muslim country means that whoever raised it does not consider this country Muslim.

:?? ???? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ??? ??????? ? ???? ?? ????? ?? ??? ?????? ?????? ?? ????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ????? ??? ????????

Zine El Abidine Al-Rekabi explains in Al-Sharq Al-Awsat:

There is an abysmal gap between the "Islam is the Solution" slogan and "practical solutions" that would actually be able to solve the world's problems, and Muslim's problems for that matter.

??? ???????? ??????? ?????: ?? ?????? ????? ??? ??? ???? (??????? ?? ????) ???? (???? ?????) ???? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ??? ???.

Amr al-Shobaki, writing in leading Egyptian independent paper Al-Masry Al-Youm, sees the motto as an example of the organization's stagnancy:

The Brotherhood has been using this motto since the 1987 elections and has failed to re-assess it since then. During this time, the political map of the world has changed, communism has collapsed, yet the Brotherhood--much like the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP)--have remained stationary, using the same old political discourse and offering nothing new.

Egyptian intellectual Sayed Al-Qimni argues on his blog that this slogan is un-Islamic and bad for the country:

The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) practiced politics and military strategies with worldly logic. This teaches Muslims a great lesson; achieving worldy purposes cannot be done except through worldly methods. [...]This slogan is against science, because if, in our religion, there was the single solution for all the problems of the world, then this means that Muslims would focus solely on Islam and not investigate solutions and achievements made by other nations.

???? ??? ??????? (?) ??????? ? ???????????? ????? ?????? ? ??????? ????? ???????? ???? ????? ?? ...... ?? ????? ??????? ???????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ??????. ? ?? ???? ?? ????? , ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ? ?? ???? ?????? , ????? ??? ?? ??? ???????? ????? ????? ?? ??????? ???? ? ??? ????? ?? ?????? ? ??????? ???? ?????? ????? ?

Bassem al-Khafagy, writing in the Egyptian paper Al-Wasat, criticises 'Islam is the solution' as a flawed idea poorly executed:

Some of those who say today that "Islam is the solution", merely use the slogan, but their political and humanistic practices do not indicate that they have chosen Islam as a solution for their own problems. I don't see how we can say something then do another thing completely, then mourn the fact that people do not believe us or sympathize with us.

??? ??? ??????? ????? ?? ?? "??????? ?? ????" .. ???????? ?????? ???? ???? ????????? ???????? ?? ????????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ??????? ???? ????????? ??? ??? ???? ??? ???? ?? ?? ????? ????? ?? ?? ?????? ????? ?? ???????? ????

Al-Khafagy summarizes Egyptian political thinking into four camps:

Some will raise the "Islam is the Solution" slogan, while others would say "Democracy is the Solution", and a third group would stress that "Stability is the Solution", but the majority would assert that "There is No Solution".

???? ????? ???? "??????? ?? ????" .. ?????? ??????? "??????????? ?? ????" .. ????? ????? "????????? ?? ????" .. ????? ???? ???? ????? ?? ?? ????? ???? "?? ???? ??"

Akram Al-Qassas criticizes the MB use of the slogan in the independent Egyptian newspaper Youm7:

The Muslim Brotherhood too has found the chance to stir controversy over their ambiguous slogan that says both nothing and everything. They know very well that religion is the one thing most Egyptians can agree upon. What they fail to acknowledge is that those standing for office are human beings - not angels and certainly not gods. Accordingly, it is humans - and not the faith - which stands to win or lose.

? : ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ???? ????????? ????? ???????? ?? ????? ??????? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ??? ?? ???? ????? ??? ???? ?????? ???????? ?? ???? ??? ????.

Hassan Nifaa writes in Al-Masry Al-Youm, that while he disagrees with the slogan, the ban is simply an attempt to crack down on opposition:

The slogan "Islam is the solution" may not be the solution, but it isn't the problem either. The real problem is that President Mubarak refuses to entertain the idea of change of power, insisting on remaining in charge until his "last breath," after which the top job will be bequeathed to Mubarak Jr. When the ruling elite accept the idea of alternation of power on principle, it will be a whole lot easier to adjust the relationship between religion and state!

???? ???????? ?? ????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ????, ???? ??? ??????? ????. ??????? ???????? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ?????? ??????? ??? ????????? ?? ????? ??? ???? ???? ???? ??? ?????? ????? ?? ????. ???? ???? ?????? ??????? ???? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ??? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ???? ??????? ??? ????? ????????!

The views in this post are taken from diverse sources and should not be taken as the views of Meedan. You can add your view in two languages on news.Meedan.net

?

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Heidi Fleiss' House Ravaged By Thanksgiving Fire (PHOTO)

What's Your Reaction?

tmz.com:

Heidi Fleiss might have to break out her little black book again -- because the fire that ravaged her home on Thanksgiving is gonna set her back some serious cash.

Read the whole story: tmz.com

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Heidi Fleiss might have to break out her little black book again -- because the fire that ravaged her home on Thanksgiving is gonna set her back some serious cash. ...

Heidi Fleiss might have to break out her little black book again -- because the fire that ravaged her home on Thanksgiving is gonna set her back some serious cash. ...

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Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie Take Daughters Shopping In Paris (PHOTO)

people.com:

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie took daughters Zahara and Shiloh holiday shopping in Paris Saturday and it looks like they'll be able to check quite a few things of their gift list, including pants, pajamas, gloves, sweaters, boots, stuffed animals, knights' costumes (complete with tunics, swords and shields) and one large green plastic alligator, according to staff at the Bonpoint boutique on rue de Tournon near the Luxembourg Gardens.

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Cyber Monday Deals 2010 Nokia E5-00 Unlocked GSM Phone

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Sunday, November 28th, 2010

Nokia E5-00

Great for mobile messaging as well as providing excellent voice communications, the Symbian-based Nokia E5-00 unlocked mobile phone follows the successful blueprint of devices such as the Nokia E72 and Nokia E63. It combines high-quality business features–such as synchronization of contacts and e-mail with Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveler environments–with all of the personal networking and entertainment capabilities that a busy professional expects from a smartphone. The E5 also provides access to social networks directly on the homescreen, enabling you to view, comment, and update your status and share pictures to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

You’ll stay on track thanks to the integrated GPS with free Ovi Maps Navigation for voice-guided directions, and you can find nearby restaurants, landmarks, events and other points of interest as you travel from place to place. Keep on top of your emails from your phone or computer using the free Ovi Mail service, and discover and download apps and games via the pre-loaded Ovi Store. You’ll also be able to sync, store, and manage your documents and files remotely with Ovi Files.

The Nokia C6 comes with a pre-loaded 2 GB microSD memory card that includes Ovi Maps data for the US, Ovi Suite, and bonus content–no need to download anything from the Web or discs. And you can add more memory via optional microSD memory cards up to 16 GB in size.

Type a quick email, SMS or note using the full QWERTY keyboard–built for fast, efficient messaging–and see everything clearly on the 2.36-inch widescreen display. Other features include Wi-Fi networking, 5-megapixel digital camera with DVD-quality video capture, Web browser with RSS feed support, multi-format digital media player, personal organizer tools, and up to 5.5 hours of 3G talk time (18.5 hours on standard GSM networks).

• Unlocked quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and US/International 3G compatibility via 850/1900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA plus GPRS/EDGE capabilities
• 3G-enabled messaging phone with full QWERTY keyboard; push e-mail and calendars via Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes Traveler
• GPS with free Ovi Maps navigation; 5-megapixel camera/camcorder; Wi-Fi networking; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD memory expansion
• Up to 5.5 hours of 3G talk time, up to 705 hours (29+ days) of standby time; released in August, 2010
• What’s in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD card, connectivity cable, wired stereo headset, user guide

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Nokia X3 Slider GSM Quad-Band Unlocked Cell Phone (25% off) Cyber Monday Electronic Deals

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Sunday, November 28th, 2010

Nokia X3 Slider

Cool and confident: A pristine and high-tech design that can be recognized fitting in with friends and trends, this slim music slider fits easily in the pocket. The symmetrical speaker design makes it clear to all that the stereo speakers deliver big sound. The subtly recessed screen and smooth sliding movement provide delicate refinements in a fresh design. The diamond cut metal music keys, beautiful brushed metal slide, metal camera details, and comfortable sized keypad for easy text input express the high quality construction. Available in a range of five bold, expressive colors. Loud and rich stereo speakers offer an incredible music playback and FM radio experience. With XpressRadio you can listen to radio with others like a normal radio—no headsets needed. Use the dedicated music keys, illuminated on the Navi ring, for easy access to music player and radio operations, and the 3.5mm AV connector for your own headset and external portable speakers.

• Incredible Music Experience
• 24 hours of music playback time.
• Direct access with the camera key to capture the moment with friends and families via the 3.2-megapixel camera with extended depth-of-field.
• Quick music/photo file exchange with your peer group via Bluetooth transfer.
• Over-The-Air sw update (FOTA) allows operators to push new phone sw upgrades to the terminal and operators will save in costs.

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Wilson Electronics 801247 Desktop (DT) Cell Phone Signal Booster (50% off) Cyber Monday Electronic Deals

Category Cyber Monday 2010 | Sunday, November 28th, 2010

Wilson DT

Designed to give the best results when used in a single room, the?Wilson Electronics Desktop (DT) Cell Phone Signal Booster increases your cell phone’s signal by more than 15 times. It significantly improves your cell phone’s overall performance by minimizing dropped calls, increasing data rates, and letting you enjoy clearer reception, making the Wilson DT the ideal solution in an office or at home.

Improves cellular phone & cellular-based data card performance in the home or office?anywhere a stronger cellular signal is needed indoors Greatly reduces dropped calls & increases the phone’s battery life Supports multiple phones & cellular-based data card users simultaneously Works with all cellular phones & all US-based carriers except iDEN(R)/Nextel(R) Comes with everything needed to improve signal in any room of the home or office

• Signal booster improves cellular signal for both voice and data rates in small area
• Boosts your cell phone’s signal by more than 15 times
• Completely wireless; requires no physical connection to your cell phone
• Compatible with 800/1,900 MHz frequencies for all US and Canadian cellular providers (except iDen/Nextel/MIKE)
• Comes with 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

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Army Awards $250 Million Contract To Tiny Firm Due To 'Alaska Native' Status

What do you get when you combine affirmative action with corrupt no-bid military industrial complex gubmint cheese?

Sean_6399: What do you get when you combine affirmative action with

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Sean_6399/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68721233.html

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Hardly unique. The ill advised attempts by federal, state and local government to divert business to minority, women, and small business firms has resulted in the creation of pass thru entities where a person who meets the requirements skims money and the government gets it's political quota. Standard governmental nonsense.

Skeptical_Patriot: Hardly unique. The ill advised attempts by federal, state and

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Skeptical_Patriot/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68721228.html

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Alaska has a budget surplus according to Sarah Palin, other states (primarily California and New York) do not need to be giving it more money, they have their own money. And doesn't Palin get her government healthcare through her husband being an Alaska native?

brklynivn: Alaska has a budget surplus according to Sarah Palin, other

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/brklynivn/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68721161.html

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"I am very proud of what we have accomplished. All it took was a good plan, lots of luck, perseverance, people willing to take a chance and God's will to make it happen"

Well there you have it. Now gov't incompetence, fraud and waste is ... "God's will".

cyoohoos: "I am very proud of what we have accomplished. All

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/cyoohoos/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68720944.html

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gman87 ? 25 minutes ago (5:59 AM)

We always joke that a company owned by a female, blind, disabled veteran Native American is the gold standard for getting a US Government contract. Under the current administration, if the female owner prefers the company of other women, that's even better.

gman87: We always joke that a company owned by a female,

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gman87/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68720909.html

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We always joke? Who is we, that's really a pathetic statement.

observingstupiditydaily: We always joke? Who is we, that's really a pathetic

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/observingstupiditydaily/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68721039.html

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And it was proven that under the former administration, all you needed was to be connected to the vice President... Haliburton (cough cough)....[rolling eyes]

Toddynho: And it was proven that under the former administration, all

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Toddynho/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68721132.html

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Was the job done well? If so, it sounds like a win win for all. I mean, the Military was able to circumnavigate officialdom because measures needed to be taken immediately, and they found a way to do that; and a small firm was given a much needed helping hand up.

Should they have waited months for three already rich and bloated firms to try and out bid one another?

Toddynho: Was the job done well? If so, it sounds like

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Toddynho/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68720800.html

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The job was done, but at what cost? For all we know, the $$250 million dollar contract could have been worth half that allowing this "alaska native" to pocket half the money it received. There is a reason contracts are no bid, and it's not because people are interested in keeping their profit margin at 6%.

cyoohoos: The job was done, but at what cost? For all

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/cyoohoos/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68720976.html

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"For all we know?": I'll need to go on a little more than that thank you.

Again, if the job was done and everyone was happy, what's the beef? Seems like all parties are happy, no one is accusing this "Alaskan native" (your quotations) of any wrong doing. Why presume there was some?

Toddynho: "For all we know?": I'll need to go on a

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Toddynho/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68721094.html

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HUFFPOST SUPER USER

tinyrainbows ? 39 minutes ago (5:45 AM)

I've been in Iraq for five years. I've seen all branches of the military piss away real money.

tinyrainbows: I've been in Iraq for five years. I've seen all

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/tinyrainbows/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68720735.html

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This Alaska Native contracting has long been known in the military as a strong mechanism for contractor "empowerment", just this side, and sometimes over, the line of fraud, waste and abuse. It's widely used by military contracting companies throughout CONUS, outside of Alaska. Contracting companies often identify themselves as Alaska Native companies on their letterhead.

agxphoto: This Alaska Native contracting has long been known in the

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/agxphoto/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68719866.html

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maveet ? 2 hours ago (3:56 AM)

"In summer 2008, the U.S. military had a major problem. More than 2,400 service members had reported being sexually assaulted the previous year, and the number was rising. Congress wanted immediate action."

But gay service people threaten the US military?????

maveet: "In summer 2008, the U.S. military had a major problem.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/maveet/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68719465.html

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HUFFPOST SUPER USER

tinyrainbows ? 37 minutes ago (5:47 AM)

maybe they were gay assaults. The article didn't say.

tinyrainbows: maybe they were gay assaults. The article didn't say.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/tinyrainbows/army-awards-250-million-c_n_788536_68720758.html

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